Curriculum

The curriculum for the Program in Molecular Biology consists of courses from the Medical School, such as Medical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology, courses from the basic science departments of the Medical School, and courses taught by the faculty of the Program.

Classes:

Graduate classes are small, and there is a stong emphasis on the current scientific literature.  The program holds a weekly Journal Club where students present seminars on recent important reserach articles of their choice.  A dynamic seminar series brings twenty or more nationally recognized molecular biologists to the Medical Center each year to present their research and meet with graduate students.

Course of Study:

In the first year of study, students complete three elective rotations in the laboratories of faculty members of their choice, and select an advisor by the end of the second semester.  Required and elective courses are taken throughout the first and second years.  The student must take and pass a qualifying examination by the end of the second year in order to be admitted to Ph.D. candidacy.

Independent research is carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories under the direction of the studeent's advisor, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Ph.D. committee selected by the student and advisor.  A formal written dissertation on the student's reserach is required, and must be successfully defended at a public examination.  The normal period required for completeion of the degree ranges from four to six years.

Goal:

The goal of the Ph.D. program in Molecular Biology is to train students as independent investigators who will go on to post-doctoral fellowships following the completion of the degree, and eventually become independent academic researchs and teachers.

The curriculum for the Program in Molecular Biology consists of courses from the Medical School, such as Medical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology, courses from the basic science departments of the Medical School, and courses taught by the faculty of the Program.